Chelsea dominates LAFC 2-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Club World Cup opener shines

Chelsea's commanding 2-0 victory over LAFC in their FIFA Club World Cup opener highlights their continued dominance on the global stage. Key goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez, assisted by debutant Liam Delap, energized a crowd of over 22,000, setting a strong tone for Chelsea's campaign.

Sources:
The GuardianWe Ain't Got No HistoryMykhel+1
Updated 1h ago
Tab background
Sources: The GuardianWe Ain't Got No HistoryMykhel+1
Chelsea secured a commanding 2-0 victory over LAFC in their Club World Cup Group D opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 16, 2025.

The Blues, making their third appearance in the tournament, took the lead in the 34th minute when Pedro Neto capitalized on a slick pass from Jackson, maneuvering past LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead to score.

"Jackson again was key, as he dropped off to receive the ball and then slid a pass through to Neto," highlighting the teamwork that set up the first goal.

Enzo Fernandez doubled Chelsea's advantage in the 80th minute, finishing a precise cross from Liam Delap after a build-up involving Cole Palmer.

"Delap played a big role, as he peeled out wide to collect a Palmer pass and then deliver an excellent cross into the box for Fernandez," who controlled and scored from close range.

Chelsea's experience on the global stage was evident, having won the Club World Cup in 2021 and previously reaching the final in 2012.

LAFC, a dominant force in Major League Soccer since 2018, featured former Chelsea star Olivier Giroud leading their attack, adding intrigue to the matchup.

The final whistle saw Chelsea's coach Maresca congratulate his players on a winning start, with focus now shifting to upcoming challenges in the tournament.

Starting lineups: Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Cucurella, Colwill, Tosin, James (c); Lavia, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
LAFC: Lloris; Segura, Igor Jesus, Delgado, Tillman, Palencia, Ebobisse, Hollingshead, Ordaz, Long, Bouanga.

Chelsea's victory underscores their status as a top contender in this year's Club World Cup, blending European pedigree with dynamic attacking play.
Sources: The GuardianWe Ain't Got No HistoryMykhel
Chelsea defeated LAFC 2-0 in their Club World Cup opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, with goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez. The win marks a strong start for Chelsea, who are making their third appearance in the tournament after winning the 2021 edition.
Section 1 background
The Headline

Chelsea wins 2-0 over LAFC in Club World Cup opener

Key Facts
  • Chelsea defeated LAFC 2-0 in their first Group D match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 16, 2025.We Ain't Got No HistoryThe Guardian
  • Pedro Neto scored the opening goal in the 34th minute after a pass from Jackson, firing a low drive beyond LAFC's goalkeeper Lloris.The GuardianChelseafc
  • Enzo Fernandez scored the second goal in the 80th minute following a cross from debutant Liam Delap, controlling and guiding a close-range shot past Lloris.The GuardianChelseafc
  • Chelsea's strong team performance was witnessed by 22,137 fans at the stadium, marking a winning start in the Club World Cup group stage.The GuardianChelseafc
A goal in each half, one from Pedro Neto and one from Enzo Fernandez, gave Chelsea the win in their first Group D game.
The Guardian
The Guardian
Date / Time: Monday, June 16, 2025, 20.00 BST; 3pm EDT; 12:30am IST (next day) Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA, USA
We Ain't Got No History
We Ain't Got No History
Chelsea are no strangers to the Club World Cup stage. This marks their third appearance, with their maiden outing in 2012 ending in a final loss to Corinthians. They made amends in 2021 by lifting the trophy after an extra-time win over Palmeiras.
Mykhel
Mykhel
Jackson again was key, as he dropped off to receive the ball and then slid a pass through to Neto. The Portugal international strode into the box, chopped back beyond the despairing challenge of Ryan Hollingshead, and then fired a low drive beyond Lloris.
Chelseafc
Chelseafc
Key Stats at a Glance
Enzo Fernandez second goal minute
80
The Guardian
Pedro Neto opening goal minute
34
The Guardian
Match attendance
22,137 fans

Related Videos

Chelsea 2-0 LAFC | HIGHLIGHTS | FIFA Club World Cup 2025
ChelseaChelseaFCFootballSoccerFIFAClubWorldCup
‹
›
Section 2 background
Background Context

Chelsea and LAFC's Club World Cup backgrounds

Key Facts
  • Chelsea qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup by winning the UEFA Champions League in the 2020/21 season.Mykhel
  • Chelsea made their third appearance in the Club World Cup, having previously lost the 2012 final to Corinthians and won the trophy in 2021 after extra time against Palmeiras.Mykhel
  • LAFC has been the dominant MLS team since its inception in 2018, accumulating the most victories, goals, and points among all MLS clubs.Mykhel
Key Stats at a Glance
Chelsea Club World Cup trophy year
2021
Mykhel
LAFC founding year
2018
Mykhel
Article not found
⌂ CuriousCats.ai

Article

‹

Source Citations